Dynamic, thought leader, visionary, innovator, and energetic are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Peggy Smith, president and CEO of Worldwide ERC.

Worldwide ERC is the workforce mobility association for professionals who oversee, manage, or support U.S. domestic and international employee transfer.

The relocation industry requires an association that is focused on the success of its members, while addressing ways to overcome key issues and challenges, and providing the leadership necessary to propel it ever-forward.

During a recent conversation, Smith shared her thoughts on the current state of the relocation industry - where it is headed, what it will take to get there, and why this is such an exciting time.

Here are the highlights of our conversation.

MS: What is your primary focus/responsibility as president and CEO of Worldwide ERC?

PS: One of my fundamental initiatives in my position is to articulate and put into action our association's vision, mission and values to and for a wide range of audiences and stakeholders. Our vision, "The first and foremost center for corporate and government global mobility," and our mission, "To educate and network mobility professionals - worldwide," lead us to our values. Those are: "customers first - ALWAYS, revolutionary results, unyielding respect, passionate pursuit of excellence, and infectious positive attitude." Other core focal points include management of the Worldwide ERC internal team and close collaboration with the Executive Committee and the board of directors to create our strategic plan and subsequent initiatives, as well as strengthening the organizational infrastructure we need to sustain the association's growth. I'm also keen on pushing beyond traditional business models; leveraging opportunities and partnerships to deepen the organization's impact and reach into major global areas. And I also believe that a big part of my role is to be present in the industry, representing a dynamic and credible voice for the organization in mobility communities.

MS: Since no one ever goes to school to become a relocation professional, I always wonder how we all managed to end up here. How about you, Peggy? How did you get into relocation?

PS: I like to joke that I missed a meeting and drew this assignment! Seriously, who wouldn't want to be in the mobility industry? It's an amazing community of people, knowledge and talent. I transitioned into relocation like so many other professionals have done, by starting out in a job that aligned with my early career goals, and then was offered an opportunity in the relocation program at my company. My response: "I have moved twice in my life - sure, I'm qualified!"

MS: What has been the most significant change that you have seen in recent years in the relocation industry?

PS: That would be all of the transformation that we're seeing in the HR space. In particular, the action that companies are integrating as they recognize the significant role that mobility has in serving strategic business objectives. Added to that is the need to gain and keep a competitive advantage. The companies that are putting talent management processes and systems in place and incorporating these methodologies with the long-term human capital goals of the organization, are going to be the clear frontrunners in the global marketplace.

MS: Finish this sentence: Now is a great time in the relocation industry because ...

PS: We are at the place where we are really inventing and shaping a future. And it's all happening on a global playing field, and it's enriched by the ability to learn about different companies and cultures where organizations are moving their people. It's also an incredibly exciting time, because we are moving away from a transactional role to one that is highly strategic inside a company. We are the educators that help a company understand why talent is so critical and why mobility plays in that space. If you think of this like a marathon that for 25 miles has been very cost-focused, but has rapidly shifted, you might see that we're now at mile 26, and companies are saying, "Come in and help us think about how we can leverage mobility for a competitive advantage in our talent strategies." That's pretty cool! And now that we have one marathon under our belts, it's time to train for the Iron Man. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

We will continue this conversation with Peggy Smith in next Sunday's "On the Move" column.